I get a lot of questions about bookbinding, but questions about paper are very high on the list. If you’ve ever wondered what the best paper is for bookbinding, this post is for you!

I’ll answer the following questions:

  1. What’s the best paper for bookbinding?
  2. What size paper should I buy if I’m just starting out in bookbinding?
  3. Can I buy dotted or lined paper big enough to fold into signatures?
  4. What kind of paper should I be using for endsheets?
  5. Where is the best place to buy paper online?

These questions are completely valid. Many of the answers are spread throughout the Internet in the craziest places, so I hope this consolidated post is helpful.

Q: What is the best paper for bookbinding?

A: 70lb smooth white text weight paper

Here’s why: Smooth 70lb text paper is the right weight and texture for many purposes, including: writing, sketching, drawing, calligraphy, junk journaling and more.

Learn about My Favorite Bookbinding Paper if you’d like to know what I personally use.

Q: What size paper should I buy if I’m just starting out in bookbinding?

A: 12″x18″ (30.5 x 45.7 cm)

Here’s why: paper grain usually runs long, so this paper will fold into 6″ wide by 18″ high. This makes it possible for one 12×18 sheet of paper to create:

  • 2 signatures for A5 (5.8 x 8.3 in)
  • 3 signatures for A6 (4.1 x 5.8 in)
  • 4 signatures for A7 (2.9 x 4.1 in)
  • plus many more for sizes A8-A13

A5 and A6 books are two of the most popular sizes for sketch books and journals, giving you many options.

Q: Can I buy dotted or lined paper big enough to fold into signatures?

A: Yes, but it’s very hard to find because commercial printers don’t make enough profit to produce it

Here’s why: Our bookbinding community is too small for commercial printers to benefit from this type of paper. I know, because I decided to start printing my own lined paper for books and the kits I offer in my store. I wrote a tutorial on how to create your own lined paper template at home using InDesign if you’d like to learn how.

Q: What kind of paper should I be using for endsheets?

A: Fine laid or wove paper is best

Here’s why: These papers are made with a percentage of cotton fibers, usually 25-100%, with textured lines running vertically and horizontally across the surface. It’s thicker and sturdier than standard text and writing weight papers, making it ideal for holding adhesive during the bookbinding process. I usually recommend a white, off-white or ivory so they’re versatile enough to coordinate with different coverings.

example of ivory classic laid wove paper close up to demonstrate texture lines
Close up of an ivory classic laid paper by Mohawk Fine Papers I use for my endsheets

I love a pulp-based paper similar to laid or wove called Canson MiTientes. This paper is renowned for it’s quality and I’ve found it to work very well for my case bindings.

Q: Where is the best place to buy plain paper online?

A: Paper Mill Store

Here’s why: I’ve personally used Papermillstore.com to order paper, so I can guarantee the experience and quality. That said – be sure to look around. There are lots of different places to buy paper online, including some smaller mom-and-pop shops that deserve our attention.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

More bookbinding goodness

✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?

🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books? 

Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.

Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!

Misty